An Untraditional Christmas

It being the last day of the year, I suppose I could combine my Christmas and New Year's post, but I don't know that I have the stamina to write that much today (nor the time), so we'll stick with Christmas today, and then get to the New Year, well, tomorrow hopefully! :)

Christmas is always a time I look forward to. It used to be my favorite time of year, it still is but in a different way. As I mentioned in my last post, as I've gotten older, I've really come to see the real meaning in Christmas and though gift exchanges and holiday parties are fun and festive, it's so important to remember the real reason for the season.

I don't know if my whole family felt the same this year, or if it just wound up working out this way, but we kind of went back to the basics, so to speak. We do holidays BIG at our house. My parents are both from huge families and we've been fortunate to have close family friends in the area that may as well be family. Before this year, I can't remember one where there were less than at least 10 people. It's always tons of fun and tons of laughter. This year was a little different. I think the realization is starting to hit my parents (and B's for that matter) that we'll be married in a few short months and, well, sad to say, but this would probably be the last Christmas for each of our parent's to have us to themselves. So, Brandon went home to spend some time with his parents and I packed up the fur-kids and headed to mine.

We didn't invite anyone for dinner this year and on Christmas eve, my dad cooked a ham and mac & cheese. Jokingly, he said "Mmmm...we should eat this tonight because it looks to yummy to wait until tomorrow." And then someone, I think my mom maybe, chimed in with "well, let's just do Christmas tonight and then we'll do church tomorrow and then relax the rest of the day." To which I replied: "YES!"

So we had a casual dinner, while watching Sound of Music on TV. Which that in itself was hilarious because B was watching the same with his parents in LR and kept texting me with all the absurd lines in the movie that he hadn't noticed before. :) Then, we opened our traditional Christmas jammies and then the rest of our gifts! :) Well, actually before that our parents took one last picture of their 3 Rosso girls at the top of the stairs, since next year I'll be a Turner! After presents we ate some dessert, snuggled up and watched another movie. It was a perfect day!

The next morning we went to church, took the dogs to the park and then dad made our "Christmas dinner". His homemade pizza! MMMMMMM. Talk about untraditional! But, we sat around the table and had us a feast! It was delish. Then we went and saw We Bought a Zoo at the theater. Um - FANTASTIC movie!

So, basically it was full of relaxing and just enjoying the 5 of us. It's been a long time since we've taken it easy and just enjoyed each other's company. The perfect Christmas indeed!

Update: It's now 2 weeks later and I'm just getting back to this blog...oops! Being busy is fun, but whew - looking forward to things slowing down after May!

So - last bit about Christmas...

Brandon and I decided to not exchange presents this year. We're house shopping and just paid for our honeymoon...so yeah.... Then he asked "so, are we really not exchanging gifts or are you saying that and then getting me a gift and expecting one from me?" I appreciated that - means he's learning! ;) So, I mentioned that I had gotten a couple of things for him, but explained they were things he needed and we would have bought soon anyway, so I just wrapped them so he had something to unwrap.
Now, before I mention what he got me, I should mention that B isn't the most romantic boy in the world...it's not a bad thing because then when he does do something super sweet, it means that much more. He went creative on me! I didn't even know he had it in him, but he does! Now he's in trouble because I know what he's capable of! Mwahahaha.

He spent maybe $10 but it's the most meaningful gift I've ever received:

First you need to know - I have an obsession with cute costume-like jewelry and second, I have a jewelry organization disability if you will... It seems that for the life of me I can't keep two earrings in a pair and it's because I don't have a good place for them. They get mixed up and clumped together in jewelry boxes and so a year or so ago, B joked and said "my mom keeps her jewelry in a tackle box" and I thought to myself "genius". I mean - each pair of earrings could have their own individual space then. Well, he got me my tackle box, but he took it to the next level!

It's hard to tell from the pictures, but he made the tackle box the "husband box" complete with instructions. And he said "I did this on my own - I didn't even look on pinterest!" Oh, how I love that boy. Each compartment has a task or gesture, so if I wear the jewelry from that day, he has to do whatever the label says. A few examples of some of the compartments: back/shoulder massage, shopping trip, random compliment generator, gas fill up, flowers, chick flick movie pass, etc. It was so cute and the instructions/letter it came with had me all misty-eyed. I love that feeling!
The only problem is that now I stare at my jewelry trying to figure out not only what I want to wear, but also what I might want from the husband box! It's doubled my "get ready" time! Totally worth it though!

Hope everyone had a fantastic holiday! Happy 2012!

And now a few pictures from the season:

I felt like being cheesey! Success! 

Being silly at the Ice exhibit! 

It's a family tradition!

Mom and Dad with their Christmas pj's

Chloe and Timmy were snuggling!

I found this on my dad's camera - guess he thought it was funny that Chloe was ready to come back in

Seeeeeeesters

Mom and Dad - they're kinda adorable! 

Yes, I'm as tall as my dad! (at least in the shoes I was wearing)

Baby it's Cold Outside!

It's a brisk, cold night and I'm bundled up while blogging!! And watching Glee! Oh - and I tried upgrading our internet tonight and talked to an English speaking cust. service rep (which is reason to celebrate on it's own) but he informed me that U-verse is now available at our casa. So see ya later TWC - you suck and it will not make me sad to see you go!!!

In other news...I'm sad to say I've been called a grinch a time or two this holiday season... Let me defend myself: I'm a firm believer in reserving November for Thanksgiving and then celebrating Christmas all December long. I just feel that the reason for the season is lost so much sometimes and the fact that people don't even take a second to enjoy and give Thanks during November and instead want to fight the crowds, push people and buy! buy! BUY! It just beats me down a little. I know that sounds harsh and I know that the majority of the people I surround myself with are nothing like that, and sure, I'll give you the fact that the deals are amazing, but give me the option to relax with some holiday treats and hot chocolate and have good conversation with great company or stand in a line to get 1/2 off a TV or some other electronic, I'll pick laughing with my family and watching football any time! I guess the older I get the more I realize how lucky I've been all my life and how wonderful my family always made the holidays and as life goes by faster and faster, I just want to take those moments in a little more.

Another reason I think I'be been called out is probably because I still have a pumpkin centerpiece and fall flowers in all my vases. I will admit that Christmas decorating is not on my list AT ALL right now and honestly, I don't foresee a tree or lights in our humble abode's future this season. It's a little sad, but I keep telling myself that this time next year, I'll be settled in my new job, married and in our new home and we'll  go totally overboard and make up for this year! Deal? ;) And don't get me wrong - I'm totally thrilled about this holiday season...so much so that I made everyone stop in dwntwn ft. worth when it was freezing a couple of weekends ago to get these pictures:

Yup - Ft. Worth is purty, isn't it?!? It's my new home away from home too... I recently made a huge change and left NSAI to take a job in downtown Fort Worth. I was at NSAI for about 3.5 years and I'd equate leaving my friends there to breaking up with my first love! Ok, so maybe it wasn't that intense, but it definitely goes down as one of the hardest things I've ever had to do! I had an AMAZING group of friends there and I cried a LOT when I had to leave them, but after 3 days at my new company, I know I've made the right decision for my career! I don't think the people at the new place will ever give my NSAI family a run for their money, but the good news is that I know I'll always be friends that group! They really outdid themselves as well when wishing me farewell...it totally made me cry even more, but it was SO sweet and made me laugh as well!

Look closely...you might recognize a few faces! Credits: Angela Blevins = AMAZING paint skills!! 

They also got me the newest poster! Just a matter of time before I hang it in my new office, I'm sure! ;)

My card!

Wedding updates: Brandon's parents came to stay with us over Thanksgiving and we were able to show them the venue and do a cake tasting with them. What fun! We decided on a cake/baker, so we have 1 more thing off of our list. Now I just need to finish the labels for the save-the-dates and then they'll be in the mail! I can't believe how close it's getting. It seems like it's crunch time and there is so much to do, but I can't seem to find the time to do it all. I have a feeling it will all fall into place soon though.

Also, wish us luck - we're going house hunting this weekend and I have my fingers and toes crossed that we find our home! Already tired of driving 1+ hour each way to and from work and so ready to have a yard so I can get my little Timmy back! I think he's having fun with Aunt Becca though! :) They snuggle lots. 

I'll have to tell you all about my wonderful weekend to Philly next time, but overwhelmed as he may have been, I think B had a good time. He asked me at one point "how do you keep all these people straight?!" I think that's a sign that I need to make him some flash cards before the wedding because he still hasn't met more than half of my family and he's already losing track! God Bless the Irish/Italian Catholics...with so many people, there's never a dull moment! haha.

There's either a victoria secret commercial or football on! ;) 

Festive! <3

I think it's time for bed. The rest of the week is looking increasingly busy and I might as well get some ZZ's in while I still can. December is my last month to take it easy and come January, everything will be going into full speed: wedding planning, showers, bachelorette parties, travels, moving, etc... I don't know if I've mentioned this, but man, I can't wait until May 27th! I know that once we get back from the honeymoon something will surely come up and life will be just as busy again, but I'm looking forward to our 2 week break in between the nuptials and the going back to reality...as MRS. TURNER! Yippee!!

Love, 

Lisa Lou

Pity Party for One, Please

Friday Night. 8:57 pm. Pajamas. Wine. And the clincher? LMN! And for those of you that don't know what that is...Lifetime Movie Network. Sigh....ladies, you've all been there. Pity party! Ah yeah!

So the boy is out of town at a video game tournament. And I have at least 100 things on my to-do list, but on this chilly evening all I could manage was a glass of wine and some lifetime movies.

Now, every girl knows that once lifetime is on, good luck turning it off! It's ridiculous seeing as how most of them are not even of decent quality. For example, the one I just watched was clearly from the 90's and had John Stamos in it (must have been his first gig after Full House) and the acting is horrendous! And the titles...the last one was Fatal Vowels and I just broke the cardinal rule of LMN and watched more than 3 minutes of the next movie, cleverly titled Fatal Error and now I'm hooked. DAMN YOU LMN!!!!!!]



So - I've decided that tomorrow is as good a day as any to get it all done! And the doggers agree...

She's watching LMN too!

Poor Timmy is trying to avoid us! ;)

As much as I'd love to write all that's been going on - I'm going to finish up this movie and get to bed. My new running buddy (Timmy) and I  have 4 miles to do tomorrow!

Catch up blog to come soon!

Love, L

Wedding Cake Woes

   

     



Who knew that the one thing I'd wind up having a mini-breakdown over would be cakes. Really?!?!? Cakes?!?! I don't even like cake that much, so why has the decision of selecting a cake design been SOOOOO difficult?

I believe that there are too many options and unless it is completely plain or completely outlandish, I like them all! A blog with every kind of cake you can imagine: http://design-wedding-cakes-pictures.blogspot.com/2011/10/global-cake-blog.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DesignWeddingCakesAndToppers+%28Design+Wedding+Cakes++and+Toppers%29

First of all, shapes:

You've got your round cakes, your square cakes, you hexagon cakes, your flower shaped cakes, your heart shaped cakes and/or your mismatched no rhyme or reason shaped cakes that are supposed to be "trendy". Sigh…

 

After shape comes decorating and the list here is endless. I won't waste your time or mine by going through every option, but whew – there are a lot of options. Textured, not textured, plain, ornate, piping, fondant, buttercream, blah blah BLAH! Stop the madness! Ha.

 

After "pinning" a variety of different cakes throughout the past week or so (and the above pictured don't even scratch the surface of the variety I looked at), I flipped back through yesterday and not one said "Pick Me". I enlisted the help of my mom – some things we agreed on, some we did not, but she has given me full creative lead on the cake and while, nice, I also felt it was a burden as I had only narrowed 150 million choices to about 150 thousand! So, after filtering a few more yesterday throughout the day and after flipping through some magazines at the grocery store last night (as if the millions of online options weren't enough to send me into cake insanity), I decided to ask B…

The option hadn't really occurred to me before because we know what the Groom's cake is going to look like and I figured as long as he liked the taste of the Bride's cake, he probably wouldn't give the style of it a passing thought. I was almost even a little surprised when he didn't seem defeated at the suggestion (ahem) of browsing through some cake design photos online last night! It actually really helped and we knocked a few styles out of the running rather quickly and with that we scanned through another few pages of pictures on theknot.com and "ahhhhhh" (heavenly voices singing), there it was… Ok, well maybe it wasn't quite that obvious, but after zooming in on the picture, I decided with a couple of tweeks, I do indeed think it could be all we've ever dreamed of in a cake. (I have a flare for the dramatics seeing as how I don't think I've ever dreamed of cake in my life, with the exception of the past few days, as this task has overwhelmed me…). Ta Daaaaaaaaaa!



Like I said, they'll be some changes, but this is the gist of it. Sans all the flowers! Too much for me!



The only other consuming thought in my mind right now is trying to figure out what on earth we're going to wear for round 1 of our engagement session. We're breaking it up into 2 mini sessions for scheduling purposes, which is a-ok with me (especially since it gives me more time to come up with more outfits/ideas for the next session) and the first is on Sunday morning. Wish us luck – mainly because the kiddos will be in round 1! Eek, I hope they cooperate. Correction: I hope Timmy cooperates…Chloe is perfect! :) P.S. Have I mentioned my awesome photographer? http://ellmanimages.blogspot.com/

I'll hopefully be posting again sooner than later regarding my recent DIY adventure! Pinterest is great fun and it has inspired some original ideas of my own, so I'll post pictures and a tutorial of some sort soon!

Couch to 13.1?

I took a hiatus from running the past few months. MISTAKE! I feel like I have a love/hate relationship with it, so in the mix of moving, wedding planning, etc., I pushed it to the back burner. Our puppy Timmy however, has re-motivated me... The kid has some energy and as I always wished Chloe would run with me, I decided that if I was going to turn him into a running partner, sooner would be better than later! I've somewhat initiated him into the habit of it over the past couple of weeks and he is getting the hang of it!

I have a couple of friends that are involved in Team in Training. I'd love to participate in a group such as that, but the fundraising aspect of it is difficult for me, time-wise. Regardless, my friends have been a huge inspiration and they somehow convinced me that I could do it. What the hell, right? ;) So - on January 1st 2009 I decided I'd sign up for a half marathon. How hard could it be! I'm sure many of you have heard of the "Couch to 5K" program, well - I jumped from couch to 13.1! I mean, I worked out pretty regularly, but I had never enjoyed running, let alone running long distances. I gave myself 2.5 months to prepare and that March I ran my first half marathon. I had bronchitis a week before and my lungs were still feeling it that morning, but my amazing friend Shannon stuck through it with me and coached/motivated me the whole way!

A few things I quickly learned:

- TMI, but running jostles things up a bit and between carb loads and being in constant motion for 13.1 miles, it's a good thing pit stops are placed along the way! ;)
- Do not, I repeat....DO NOT go stagnant after a long run. Stretch immediately! It's going to hurt and it won't be fun but 2 hours later, 24 hours later and above all, 2 days later your body will appreciate it. I half-assed stretched after my first 13.1 and I was definitely sorry!
- Walk or take an easy jog the next day. Your body will thank you!
- Do not be intimidated by other runners. Marathon runners come in every shape, size and/or age. People 300 lbs and/or 75 plus years may pass you. Smile as they pass and push yourself to keep up!
- Thoughts that may go through your mind while running a distance run:
1. Adrenaline: Holy crap...lots of music, cameras, cheering...let's do this! SO MUCH FUN!
2. Crowd spreading out some, get your running groove, no problem.
3. Hmmm, my body is feeling it, but I've trained for this, so I know I can keep going...let's go.
4. If I have to run up one more hill....$&^#(&
5. Ah, downhill! ;) Make up some time.
6. I'm hungry...
7. I'm thirsty...
8. Biofreeze anyone?
9. Oh - only 3.1 miles left? Got this!
10. F! F running! F moving! F chatting with your running buddy! F the music coming from iPod! F signing up for this thing in the first place! F!F!F!!!!!!!
11. I'm hungry...and thirsty...again
12. So close to finish line! So happy!
13. ONLY .1 to go. Should go by fast!!!
14. Really....I haven't gone .1 yet?!?!?!?
15. OMG!!!! SEE FINISH LINE!!! SPRINT!!!!
16. I finished? I'm alive?
17. I finished!!!!! I'm alive!!!
18. Nice medal!
19. Let's eat.
20. Let's sleep!

The second half I did was over my birthday weekend this year. Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon! Traveled to Orlando and ran through disney world! ZOMG!! So amazing! I had a better idea what to expect, but this race was packed! Half-way through I ran through the castle at Magic Kingdom. Definitely a highlight of my life! :) Mostly a women's run, but there were a few gentlemen dressed up in their princess gear. There was even a guy in a full frog suit with a sign on his back saying "accepting kisses from princesses!" There was plenty to keep me laughing and going the whole way!

My cheerleader! :) (Don't judge me...it was 4am)

About mile 6 - about to run through the castle! Just a few  thousand people around!

I have 2 medals hanging up on my wall now! In March, B and I did a 5K together. He's never really run much, but he did great and we had a fun time together! I'm still trying to work him up to run a half with me, but he still laughs every time I approach the subject! haha. We'll see! I plan on running another race in a couple of months. Another 1/2. Everyone keeps asking me if I'll ever do a full. My response?

Really though - I don't know that I'll ever take on a full. I'd like to...but running really is hard. And time consuming (which is great motivation to run faster...ha). I feel pretty decent after a half. Sore, yes but able to move. I really think I might die if I tried to run 26.2. We'll see though. Honestly, 2 years ago I'd never even think I'd be able to say I could go 13.1 miles...at once!

Again - it is hard. Hence the "hate" part of the relationship I have with running. It is excellent for your health though and as long as you stretch and take care of yourself, your body will adapt to handling it. A little motivation/humor regarding running....

AMEN! If I can get myself out the door, then I'm good to go and always grateful that I did it! 

This makes me feel better when my iPhone app chimes in my min/mile! ha

No caption necessary!

And last, but not least...my current "like" to go along with the theme of this post:
www.rockmyrun.com
Free (like no catch kinda free) playlist downloads. Great fun running music! Can't wait to listen to mine tomorrow morning!

Go run people - the weather is cooling off and you'll be happy you did. And when you wake up to head out the door for your run - call me to make sure I'm up and on my way out as well, please! ;) ha. Thanks and gig 'em!

Until next time,

Lisa

I Got the Moves Like Jagger

I will see you tonight, Mr. Levine. :)

Happy Friday!!

Wedding Registering and Dog Sitting for DUMMIES!

Yes, ladies and gentleman - you get a 2 for 1 deal today!

I've been itching to blog lately. Sooo much is going on these days. I know, I sound like a broken record...the busy little bee. I do love keeping busy, but I may have out done myself this time! B keeps me laughing through it all though. A little chat we had the other day went something like this:

B: Wow, honey...we have so much going on and so much to do...
L: Really....??? We?
B: Well, you sure do, so I feel like I do and I have to tell you, it stresses me out!

Hahahahaha. Comedic relief! I swear, I should really keep a blog just for some of the email/phone/text conversations we exchange sometimes...

A glimpse into our life recently:

-Wedding: We're registered! Well, mostly...I'll get to that in a moment.
-House: Operation BUY A HOUSE!!! I'm so excited! We have our realtor already and once we get our pre-approval, we'll officially begin the hunt! AHHHHH YEAHHHHH!!!!
-Dog-sitting...I'll get to that too
-Babies! Babies! BABIES!!: Holy baby fever....how could I NOT have it a little right now when I'm surrounded by them! haha. Mary had Andy and I got to meet him this weekend. It's a little ridiculous how perfect he is! I'm in love! Then there's my little Landon Love! He's almost 1!! I don't even know where the year went. He is starting to get a little mischievous and he has totally got it figured out that his handsome little smile will get him out of a lot! hahaha. I love it! Can't wait 'til his party! And not even a month after that, Emme turns 1! They grow up way too fast! (Disclaimer: Yes, I admitted to baby fever. No...THERE WILL BE NOT BE ANY LITTLE LISA'S OR BRANDON'S RUNNING AROUND ANY TIME SOON!)
-Anniversaries: Mom & Dad hit 30 years in October! :) We plan on spending the day wit them that weekend to celebrate! :)
-Friends: Brandon's buddy is coming to town in a couple of weeks to visit for the Arkansas/A&M game. We'll be tailgating again this year with the bus, so should be a good time! And - Lindsey will be in town for the OU/Texas game, so we plan to go to the fair together! Yippee!!
Then this week alone is Shecky's on Wednesday, Maroon 5 on Friday, Horseshoe Tourney on Saturday annnnnd company picnic on Sunday!
-Engagement Photos: October 23rd...can't wait!

(And that's the short version...)

Dog Sitting: Soooooo..I thought it'd be a great idea to dog sit the entire month of September. I'm not exaggerating...literally the entire month of September! When I say dog-sitting for dummies, I mean... don't dog-sit for a month! haha. Of course, this isn't something that happens often and I was glad to be able to help out both good friends that needed it, so it's no problem, but it has been an adventure! Gus and Walter were at the beginning of the month. Gus is my FAVORITE dog other than my two...he may actually be tied with Timmy... ;) He's a 130lb Rottweiler/lap dog! He had a seizure while I was over there one night and I about had a heart attack!! Luckily all is well and he's back to eating everything in sight and ramming his toosh in your face so that you'll scratch it, but it sure did freak me out!

His eyes don't normally glow like that... ;)

Now, I'm in McKinney watching Amanda's dogs. They're all pretty good...a little "chatty", but good. The drive is a kicker, but ya know... Klondike is Amanda's oldest dog. I can't remember how old exactly but probably about 14i-sh and he reminds me of Shellie when she was in her golden years. He's a little grumpy, but mostly just slow and snuggly and I love him! :)

Registering for Dummies: If you didn't already know Brides and/or Moms-to-be...Don't register at Target. I did, but I'm about to undo it and register elsewhere. Thanks to best friend, I discovered that their return policy is a nightmare! Another tidbit...if you're comfortable with it, register ONLINE!! We spent 3+ hours in Bed, Bath & Beyond and I don't even feel like we got through half the store. We left, I cam home and finished it up online AND included 2 other stores. So much less of a hassle and I didn't feel the pressure of possibly missing something. It was all right there for me. I've since been to the stores to check it out in person and loved it all just as much then. It's nice that now-a-days you can also update your registries online at any time!

Well - it was a long weekend! Soon I'll get pictures up of Andy, but for now I'm going to finish up my dinner and do some much deserved relaxing!

Salad offsets the wine, right? ;)

And one last thing...Lisa's Latest Like: Get a Kindle. I thought I'd hate it...best thing that I ever got...ahem, that Brandon ever got. Good thing we've already adapted the theory of "what's yours is mine". :)

I think I rambled a little tonight, but thanks for letting me get it all out! Whew!

Upcoming: Football thoughts, Crock-Pots and DIY projects...oh, and pictures...hopefully lots and lots of pictures! :)

Peace out!

Lisa

T.G.I.F.

Ahh, the good old days of TGIF on ABC. I miss those Friday nights! ;)

Instead, tonight I will be hanging out with little little sis, packing for a quick trip to Houston to visit baby Andy (yes, he's here...more details to follow) and prepping to get my craft on. Pinterest has spiked my desire to get a little more crafty, so I'll be making some gifts for upcoming events/parties and we'll see how it goes! Becca will be helping, so that's a plus since she got WAY more of the artistic gene then I did!

Have a great weekend everyone! I hope to update more soon! :) In the meantime...the wedding page is up and is still very much a work in progress, but hey...it's a start! ;) http://brandonandlisa.wedquarters.com/

Happy Jers-day! Ahh Yeah!

Ahhhh Yeah!

And a happy day for me too, since it's my Friday! Woo Hoo! Off to H-town tomorrow for some baby-making celebrations (Don't read into that the wrong way: Mary made a baby and celebrating with a baby shower)! ;)

P.S. Ags....thoughts on the divorce with the big 12? hmmmmmm. We'll make Arkansas look good! ;)

Chloe & Me (and the past couple of weekends)

We decided to have a lazy Sunday. The weeks have been very busy lately and the weekend was great, but jam packed with family and friends, so we decided to really just relax today. We sat down to eat lunch and decided to watch Marley & Me, which B hasn't seen. Before we started it, he said "aren't you going to cry though?" and I responded with "no, I don't think so. I've seen it enough..." WRONG! And to make it worse...as I'm trying to hold in the sniffles and tears, Chloe looks up and stares at me, which only causes me to cry a little more.

Chloe is my #1!! I got her as a birthday present for my 20th birthday. She's been with me almost 8 years now and they have been the craziest 8 years of my life, full of finding my way and growing up. She's been the biggest constant throughout it all. If you're not a dog person, Marley & Me does an amazing job of portraying the relationship between a dog and its "owner". And if you are a dog person the movie and book alike will surely hit home! Regardless of how many times you've read or seen it. It also resonated a little more since our addition of Timmy to the family! He's been known to be a little terror from time to time but he sure is a lover and it was just a reminder that he could be a lot worse.

Now that Chloe is getting a little older it always makes my heart drop a bit when I see her struggle to get up after laying down for a while, when she slides on the hardwood floor and can't catch her balance or when she needs a boost into my car or up onto the bed. I think Timmy has definitely pepped her up a bit, which was the hope, but I just felt like watching that movie again was a good reminder of how I sometimes take her for granted sometimes. She's so mild mannered and chill these days that I think Timmy gets the bulk of the attention lately. I know most people will read this and say "does she realize she's talking about a dog?!?!" and I get that, but they are definitely my fur-babies! And I don't know what I'd do without them, especially my Chloe!

She stole a kiss! ;) 

She's a beaut!

Chloe's post! She's our watch dog!

Timmy idolizes her! He wants to be every where she is! Kinda cute and she tolerates it so well!

See above caption! ;)

It wasn't long before he had moved onto her bed with her!

So - Chloe will be snuggling in bed tonight instead of sleeping on the floor. I think she deserves a little extra special treatment! Give your dog/pet an extra little pet, treat or belly scratch when you can!


Life Recently:

Went to China Springs, TX a couple of weekends ago to see Chris and Kayla tie the knot! Ah yeah! It was a lot of fun and we're super happy for them. Chris and Kayla definitely get the dog thing...in fact, Rowdy, their Golden Retriever was IN the wedding as the best man! Haha. He was so handsome and well behaved (Rowdy, that is).

Notice Rowdy? :)

the happy couple! Ah yeah!

Unfortunately, we couldn't stay for very long as we had to get back to Dallas, but it was great getting to see the happy couple and Rowdy! 

B and I went to Arlington this weekend to spend time with the fam! My Poppy Bear and Aunt Mary Beth were in town from Philly. We laughed so hard all weekend! My cheeks were kind of sore even yesterday from smiling and laughing so much! It was a very nice treat and it was a great reminder of how hilarious my family is! Turner-Rosso Wedding Guests - be prepared for a crazy fun time because my family is a HOOT! 

Our family pic with Poppy Bear! He's so cute!!

Also went to see The Help this weekend. Read the book and loved it, but of course the movie is never as good as the book. It was still a pretty good movie and I'm glad I got to go see it finally. I love watching books brought to life by movies, even if they aren't ever as good. It's fun seeing if the characters look like what you picture them as and the things they change, omit and/or add. Currently reading the Hunger Games Trilogy (which would be my "latest like"). Finished the first one in a day more or less and already about half way through the second one. I absolutely love it and can't wait to see where it all goes! I love reading for pleasure and am super grateful I have a little extra time to do so right now. Well, I take that back, I don't really have the extra time, but I'm adjusting well to the additional lack of sleep, so it's ok! ;) 

About to go read a little more right now and then prep for the upcoming week! Lots going on and Mary's 2nd baby shower is next weekend in Houston. Still a few more things to get together for that, but so excited!

Have a great week!